Jan 11
2012

Snowman Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

in Chocolate, Dessert, Drinks, Lucy Eats

Snowman Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

A few years ago during a winter visit to Salt Lake City, we were out enjoying a particularly beautiful sunny day, and some of the snow that covered the ground was starting to melt.  As we were walking across a parking lot, Squirrel suddenly stopped and cocked her head to one side and asked in her little squeaky toddler voice, “What ‘dat sound Mama?”  I stopped to listen and realized that she was hearing the sound of trickling water, caused by the melting snow.  I explained that the snow was melting, then asked her, “Squirrel, what color is snow when it melts?”  She looked at me with a look of exasperation on her face, like I’d just asked the silliest question she’d ever heard, and replied, “It’s white!” But of course! Why wouldn’t melted snow be the same color as its solid snow form?  Now when I see milk, I always think of snow.  I love simplicity of toddler logic!

Milk, white chocolate, and peppermint tea

This memory was the inspiration for today’s post, a recipe for something sweet and perfect to share with a friend.  It is also the first in a series of 12 posts that I will be sharing over the coming year.  I have teamed up with my little friend Lucy and her creators (you might remember she is the star of The ABCs of Halloween book that I featured last month).  Once a month we will be sharing a Lucy approved recipe, along with an illustration and rhyme, showcasing what she’s up to during that particular month.  Once the year is up, the plan is to compile everything into a fun little cookbook for kids.

Lucy's January

So this month Lucy is really excited about the snow and is spending as much time as her mom will allow out in the snow making friends with the local snowmen.  As I was dreaming up a treat for her to enjoy, I remembered Squirrel and the snow which made me think of doing a white chocolate hot chocolate—like steaming melted snow!  But Lucy has spunk, so I thought we’d shake things up a bit by adding some peppermint.

Steaping tea in simmering milk

The peppermint flavor is added by steaping bags of peppermint herbal tea in the milk as it heats—a winterized version of milk tea!

Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

Print This Recipe Print This Recipe

Snowman Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

Makes 2 servings

2 cups milk
2 — 4 peppermint herbal tea bags (use 2 for light peppermint flavor and 4 for stronger flavor)
4 ounces good quality white chocolate, coarsely chopped
Whipped cream, for garnish
White chocolate curls, for garnish

1. Place milk and tea bags in a small saucepan over medium heat until bubbles begin to form around the edges of the pan, then immediately turn down the heat to low, and let simmer for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the milk does not burn.

2. Carefully squeeze out any liquid from the tea bags, then discard. Turn off the heat, then immediately add the chocolate to the saucepan. When the chocolate begins to melt, whisk to combine, then continue whisking until a light foam forms. Serve immediately garnished with whipped cream and chocolate curls.

{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }

Geez Louise January 11, 2012 at 3:46 pm

simple and delicious- sounds like a good treat right now- i need one

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Jennifer January 11, 2012 at 3:51 pm

Sounds awesome! I want one right now, it sounds soooo good. And I love the memory with Squirrel. She’s so cute and as a mom with a toddler I can totally see my son and I having a similar conversation… maybe the next time we go up to the snow.

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Katherine January 11, 2012 at 5:43 pm

Can’t wait to try this. Thanks for the recipe!

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Paula- bell'alimento January 11, 2012 at 5:51 pm

We are always on the same page. I posted an updated version of my Cioccolata Calda today. I’m loving your peppermint white hot chocolate! Must make this winter!

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Lana @ Never Enough Thyme January 11, 2012 at 6:28 pm

How delicious! Can’t wait to try this recipe.

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Barbara | Creative Culinary January 11, 2012 at 7:09 pm

I know it sounds redundant but it’s true…wish I had one now. I’m not sure why you guys would ever ‘need’ one; but this week, with some 20 degree nights…something warm and a bit spicy would be perfect.

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Fuji Nana January 11, 2012 at 7:57 pm

LOVE the illustration. This is going to be a fun collaboration!

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Cookin' Canuck January 11, 2012 at 8:16 pm

What a cute story about Squirrel! The logic of kids always makes much more sense. I’ll bet she and Bug absolutely loved this hot chocolate. I know my kids would!

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LiztheChef January 11, 2012 at 9:11 pm

Love the recipe and, even better, a children’s cookbook.

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Notyet100 January 12, 2012 at 1:12 am

Slurp this gonna be so delicious :)

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Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar January 12, 2012 at 4:09 am

This sounds lovely! Such a good winter drink!

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Urban Wife January 12, 2012 at 12:05 pm

Yummy! Hot chocolate is wonderful although most days here in Florida, I would prefer an iced hot chocolate.

p.s. I really enjoyed the Lucy book you sent me and our nieces & nephews enjoyed it even more. Thanks! :)

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chinmayie @ love food eat January 13, 2012 at 12:28 am

Very interesting drink. I am sure white chocolate and peppermint taste great together :)

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Notyet100 January 13, 2012 at 12:56 am

Just prepared this it was yum,..:)

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Joy January 13, 2012 at 10:03 am

I love the line..its white. so logical.

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Curt January 16, 2012 at 5:40 am

I love the idea of white hot chocolate. That looks so delicious!

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Gerry @Foodness Gracious January 16, 2012 at 8:42 pm

I am so all over white chocolate and this sounds too comforting for words! Kids logic is awesome and I never fail to laugh when helping in my daughters first grade class, I could write a book about that :)
Take care…

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